A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors by Franklin Carter Smith & Emily Anne Croom

Save time and frustration in the search for your ancestors with clear, practical guidance on the unique challenges of African-American genealogy. Expert genealogists Franklin Carter Smith and Emily Anne Croom have teamed up to provide successful strategies for tracing your African-American ancestors, whether you're just getting started or already have research experience.

In-depth, real-life case studies not only show you how to use numerous resources, but also demonstrate step-by-step techniques you can apply to your search.

This book covers the basics and beyond:

• Gathering oral and social history within the family
• Researching census records, including the crucial 1870 census
• Working with African-American-specific sources, such as Freedmen's Bureau records
• Analyzing your information to plan the next step
• Using historical context to aid your search

It's also the only book of its kind to include

• Case studies from all over the country that trace actual families
• Methods for researching slavery-era records
• Tactics for identifying your ancestor's slaveholder and researching the slaveholding family
• Numerous illustrations and research examples of early and recent records

Finding out who you are and where you come from can be a powerful experience, as well as a priceless legacy for loved ones. This book will help you make the experience even richer and more successful.